Melzer's aiming big

Audio interview

By

Emily Bevan

OROPESA DEL MAR, SPAIN: Austrian No. 1 Jurgen Melzer has been playing Davis Cup since 1999 and the moment he has been working so hard for all his Davis Cup career has finally arrived - this weekend he plays in Austria's first World Group quarterfinal in 17 years, and despite being the underdogs, the world No. 21 is in a pragmatic frame of mind.

"Pressure is always on in Davis Cup, it doesn't matter if it's a relegation round match or a quarterfinals, ithere's always big pressure," says Melzer. "The expectations from outside are not that high, but still you put something on yourself. You want to win here."

And the Austrian is not at all fazed about meeting Spain's No. 2 Nicolas Almagro in the opening match. "I need to play good tennis and play a good match to be able to beat him. I believe in my chances and I will have to play a good match, but he also has to play a good match to beat me."

Captains Clemens Trimmel and Alex Corretja also talk to DavisCup.com about their first season in the job and reflect on their performances so far.

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OUR REPORTER IN SPAIN

Emily Bevan

Emily joined the ITF in 2008 and has worked in the Communications team for the last three years. She can be found in the press office at all four Grand Slams and, when back in the office, is responsible for producing the media guides for Davis Cup and Fed Cup. Away from work, Emily supports Hereford United FC and likes to climb mountains!